Alberto Moleiro and Ilias Akhomach ignite Villarreal fightback at Málaga, strengthening their case to start | OneFootball

Alberto Moleiro and Ilias Akhomach led Villarreal’s fightback in Málaga, dragging the team out of a rut at a crucial stage. Trailing 1-0 on 40 minutes, their link-up shifted the mood after a difficult start to the season.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Iñigo Pérez shuffled his pack and found the right formula. Moleiro, who had begun the campaign quietly, was used as a number 10 for the first time, behind Ayoze with licence to roam.

On his first start, Akhomach offered dribbling, ball-carrying and tireless work on the flank. Their understanding told for the equaliser, as the winger hit the byline after a solo burst and cut back for Moleiro to make it 1-1. Moleiro then received between the lines and picked out Ayoze before Pape Gueye completed the turnaround.

Moleiro later said he felt an instant connection with Akhomach and also with Ayoze, and that he was comfortable in the central role. He admitted that at 1-0 he feared a repeat of recent disappointments, yet sticking to the plan brought the goals they needed.

Akhomach was pleased with his display but stopped short of calling it a statement, noting it was only his first start and that brief cameos are hard to judge. He publicly backed Pérez, insisting the work is being done properly and describing him as a great coach.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”